Thursday, 6 December 2012

Samichlaus and Schmutzli, St. Nicholas and Questions

In Switzerland on the 6th December "Samichlaus and Schmutzli" pay the children a visit.

"Samichlaus" is a good figure, wears red, and talks to the children about all the good things they have done throughout the year, offering the children nuts, chocolates and clementines.

The children usually have to say a verse to him before they receive anything though.

The bread figure in the picture below is a "Grittibaenz" and is also associated with today.

"Schmutzli" on the other hand, is Samichlaus's alter-ego, dressed in black, with black beard and hair, he offers the "naughty" children nothing besides a shaking of his birch rod which he carries with him.

Hubby doesn't really have fond memories of his "Samichlaus" Visit as he recalls being put into Schmutzlis sack as a small child and being carried off. (He was pretty naughty!)

He said from then on on the 6th of December he would hide, under the table, under the bed, where-ever he would fit, because he knew who was probably coming to visit him :)

This tradition dates back to around the 11th century where St. Nicholas of Myra was known to have spread kindness and gifts to the children, isn't Europe so wonderfully full of these rich traditions.

Well, it wasn't really and adventure, but it sure felt like one afterwards.

I was travelling by myself in South Africa, relying completely on my GPS Navigation to get me where I wanted to go.

Of course the GPS had worked out the quickest route to my destination and took me through a very dodgy part of town.

I was alone and a little concerned to say the least. I put my foot down on the pedal and raced out of there!

5. What would you like to do (really important) in next five years?

I would like to work for myself and enjoy the time with my children before they leave home.

6. Will you have a Christmas tree and what colour are the balls?

I don't really want a tree as our home is very small, but my children desperately want to have a "Real" tree again (In Africa we only had the fake ones), so I guess we will have one. The balls....no idea, will show you a picture when it is done :)

Do you want to take part in the questions and answers of today?

Here are my questions for you, answer them and write your link to your post in a comment below.

1. Is the festive season a Tradition-Rich celebration in your country?

Thanks for visiting my site and leaving a comment, I really appreciate each and every one. I will reply to each of your comments, sometimes it does take a while to get around to all of them, but I will reply within 24 hours of you posting. :)